Jason Collins, NBA Trailblazer, Dies at 47 from Glioblastoma

On May 12 2026, Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player, died at age 47 in his Florida home after a battle with Stage 4 glioblastoma. The family’s statement, released through the NBA, called him a “beloved husband, son, brother and uncle” who succumbed after a “valiant fight.” He received his diagnosis in September 2025.

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Collins entered the NBA in 2001 after being drafted by the Houston Rockets and was traded to the New Jersey Nets, where he spent eight seasons before retiring in 2014. In 2013 he publicly announced he was gay in *Sports Illustrated*, becoming the first active NBA player to do so. In February 2014 he signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets, marking the first appearance of an openly gay athlete in a major North American league. He married film producer Brunson Green in 2025.

Reuters

• 2001 – Drafted 18th overall, begins NBA career.

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• 2013 – Announces he is gay, first active NBA player to do so.

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• Feb 2014 – Signs with Brooklyn Nets, first openly gay player in a major league.

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• Sep 2025 – Diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma.

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• May 12 2026 – Passes away.

The Advocate

Collins played 735 NBA games (477 starts), averaging 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds, and was 7 feet tall. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, a brain tumor often fatal within weeks; he sought experimental treatment in Singapore.

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Collins is regarded as a “giant” in the LGBTQ+ movement; his 2013 coming out shifted discourse about gay athletes and opened doors for future players. Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson called him a “groundbreaking figure for our community.” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said his influence extended beyond basketball, helping make the NBA, WNBA and sports community more inclusive. His visibility spurred acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes across major leagues.

Reuters

The Collins family thanked medical staff and fans for months of support. NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Collins’ leadership, professionalism and lasting impact on inclusion. Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson honored him as a “giant” whose bravery changed the conversation. Former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery mourned his loss and highlighted his character and contributions to the program.

Reuters

• “We are heartbroken to share that Jason Collins, our beloved husband, son, brother, and uncle, has died after a valiant fight with glioblastoma,” — Collins family, statement released by the NBA

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• “I told my brother this before I came here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known,” — Jarron Collins, former NBA player, speaking at the Green Sports Alliance Summit

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• “To call Jason Collins a groundbreaking figure for our community is simply inadequate. We truly lost a giant today,” — Kelley Robinson, president, Human Rights Campaign

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• “Jason Collins' impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” — Adam Silver, NBA commissioner

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